Pride Month can sometimes be reduced to rainbow logos and surface-level celebrations, but when it is done with intention, it can be a powerful catalyst for deeper inclusion.
In my experience, Pride often acts as a doorway. Having delivered Pride forums and events in previous roles, I have seen first-hand how it invites conversation, encourages questions and sparks moments of reflection. I have seen it prompt people to rethink the language used in marketing, the representation in campaign visuals and how inclusive internal policies really are. It creates space for people to ask, listen and learn, not just about LGBTQ+ identities but about the importance of empathy, compassion and visibility at work.
That is the real value. Pride becomes a forum. A chance to talk openly about lived experiences, challenge assumptions and make the invisible visible. And sometimes it offers the compassion people did not know they needed or did not feel safe asking for.
As part of a wider DEI strategy, Pride is an opportunity to show values in action. It is not just about celebration, it is about consistency. The organisations doing this well are the ones that connect their Pride activity to long-term commitments. They review policies, promote LGBTQ+ voices in leadership, fund community work and make sure visibility is not reserved for June.
Those in HR or responsible for inclusion can see Pride as more than a date in the calendar. Use it as a cultural check-in. What are your people seeing, feeling and experiencing? Who feels represented? Who feels safe?
At Brand Champions, we see Pride as a moment to reaffirm our commitment. Each of us sets an individual pledge to hold ourselves accountable for how we can help build more diverse, equitable and inclusive brands. It is a small act with a big impact, helping us work with our clients in a more open and inclusive way. Alongside that we host annual ‘Conversations With’ events, where we explore how to actively champion LGBTQ+ communities and wider intersections of DEI. These conversations are honest and challenging, and they always move us forward.
Pride is not about surface level celebrations. It is about honouring progress and making progress.
Kerry Nicholson is chief operations officer at Brand Champions
